This morning we are blessed to hear from Dr. Michelle Fish, education professor at Bethel. She graduated from Bethel with a degree elementary education, and later earned a master’s in elementary education and reading, and a PhD in curriculum and instruction.

Dr. Fish is passionate about literacy and learning and connecting theory to practice. She and her husband, Brad, have been married 32 years and have four grown children and one grandson.

Michelle enjoys a good adventure, growing flowers, and being Nana to grandson, Jonah.

Our speaker is no stranger to Bethel. Nirup Alphonse is the Lead Pastor of LIFEGATE Church in Denver. Originally from Singapore, Nirup relocated to Chicago where he finished high school and later earned his degree from Trinity International University. After nearly two decades in ministry, Nirup is a highly sought-after speaker and communicator with a love for God’s Word and a profound passion for empowering individuals to embrace their fullest potential and to live out their calling of being made alive in Christ. 

Outside of leading his church, traveling, and speaking, his greatest joy is being married to his wife Hannah and being a father to his four wonderful boys. 

Robert served in full-time ministry for 15 years in churches in California and Colorado and is now in his 22nd year teaching at Bethel. He is married to his wife, Melody, and they have seven children…and three grandchildren.

Robert, Melody and his family have intentionally invested in a wide variety of students over their years at Bethel.

Kevin is married to Veronica, and they have four children and four grandchildren.

John preaches the Bible, motivating and training youth and adults to be Gospel-driven disciples who live on mission. He played professional soccer before serving as the lead pastor of a church in Buckley, Michigan. John and his wife Darcey have five children and one amazing grandchild

Rev. Robinson is a graduate of Fisk and Samford Universities, and Beeson Divinity School, and is a D.Min. student at Truett Seminary of Baylor.  

She has served over 30 years in local and global church ministries and has contributed to 10 books. She believes in living a life that is pastoral, personal and pioneering in leadership and partnerships. 

Cokiesha is the wife of her best friend Timothy for 18 years and they enjoy mentoring the next generation of ministry leaders. She enjoys traveling, loves dogs, beaches, music and amusement parks.

Ryan grew up in rural Northern Indiana and graduated from Bethel University, where he studied Christian Ministries. Following graduation, he became a World Partners missionary and moved to Gary, Indiana, where he has lived and ministered for the past 27 years.

Ryan is the founding pastor of Revolution Church and continues to serve the Gary community through pastoral leadership, entrepreneurship, and family life. He is married to Johanna, and they have two children. In addition to pastoring, Ryan and his family own and operate Caribbean Roots, an authentic Caribbean restaurant rooted in community and culture.